Marine barometer having 5” enamelled and hand illuminated dial, calibrated in inches of mercury having a range from 26-31, the upper portion marked with basic forecasting instructions, “Barometer Falls for Warm, Wet, Or More Wind,” “Rises for Cold, Dry, Or Less Wind,” “Fisherman’s Aneroid Barometer.” The lower portion further marked “Issued by the Royal National Life Boat Institution, No 378,” signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London.” Fine blued steel pointer, gilt brass telltale, all set beneath bevelled glass. High quality 3” capsule driven movement set on a steel chassis with lacquered brass component parts. The whole contained within its original zinc drum-form case, rear-mounted bulkhead fixing points, calibration adjustment port set at 4 o’clock.

A really very hard to find early example of this sought-after marine barometer, this is one of the initial barometers issued by the RNLI to fishermen free of charge, and were produced with unpainted zinc cases and plain brass bezels.  Later instruments marked “As Issued By…” were sold for 5 shillings and were generally presented with painted metal or oak cases.

These early instruments are distinctly hard to find; those in good order may be considered rare. The dial remains undamaged and in crisp condition. The movement working well with good sensitivity and progression.

The subject of some conservation, a service and calibration, this RNLI marine barometer, with its extremely low serial number, may be considered excellent and very much a collector’s item.

Dimensions: 6¼” diameter x 2¼” deep

Stock No: BA0621

Price: SOLD